Birding at Long Point and Port Rowan
18 enthusiastic participants joined trip leader Stewart MacDonald on a breezy but pleasant day of birding in the Long Point and Port Rowan area on April 1, 2024.Over 50 Species of birds were observed by the group, including 17 Waterfowl Species as well as a number of early songbird arrivals. Highlights for the day included 2 late flocks of Sandhill Cranes, which were spotted during our drive to start the day. A number of Raptors were spotted, including Bald Eagles. An Especially rewarding sighting, was a pair of Mature Bald Eagles at an active nest, just next to the parking lot of the Old Cut Observatory. American Wigeons in large numbers, were also evident during the day.
The group walked along the Long Point Trail, where Killdeers were calling and saw numerous Green-Winged Teal and Northern Pintails. During that walk, we spotted 3 Pectoral Sandpipers feeding in the mudflats! These birds are not known as early migrants, so this was an exciting observation. We also heard a Greater Yellowlegs calling during our walk in the Provincial Park.
Songbirds were active at the feeders at the Old Cut Observatory where bird banding had just started for 2024. During our walk, Stewart spotted a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, which the group had good looks at. Several Northern Flickers were passing through and a number of Eastern Phoebes entertained the group with their persistent tail bobbing!
All in all, it was a great day of birding and in getting to know new friends during the outing.